Rector’s Update 26/11/2025

The shorter days and colder weather remind us that the seasons are changing and what is true meteorologically is also the case in the church.  Next Sunday (30th) marks the start of a new church year and the beginning of Advent.  This is a season filled with the hope and expectation of Christmas but for Christians there is a deeper promise - the return of Christ and the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom. 

This weekend we will mark Advent Sunday in our churches and light the first candle in our Advent wreaths.  As well as our morning services, there is an Advent Carol Service at St Denys’ at 6pm.  The preacher at this service will be the new Associate Archdeacon of Berkshire, Paul Cowan.  All are welcome.

We begin to turn our thoughts from Advent towards Christmas with our Carol Services which are as follows:

Sunday 14th December:
4pm      Pop Up Nativity and Carols at St Peter's Bradfield Southend                                                        
6pm      Carol Service at St Denys’ Stanford Dingley

Friday 19th December:                
6pm      Carol Service at St Mary Marlston

Sunday 21st December:                 
4pm      Carol Service at St Mary’s Bucklebury

Do use these as opportunities to invite family, friends and neighbours to come and hear the good news of Christmas.

At long last we have now received an application for the post of Team Vicar (House for Duty) and have arranged to interview the candidate in mid-December.  Please do come along to pray for the interview panel and the candidate this Saturday (29th) at 9am at St Peter’s, with croissants and coffee from 8:50.  

On Saturday 6th December, there is a Christmas Coffee Morning at St Mary’s Bucklebury from 10am-12noon.  As well as coffee and cake there will be gift stalls and children’s crafts with all donations made helping with ongoing maintenance of our historic building.  Also, from 12noon – 3pm, St Peter’s Pre School will be holding a Christmas Fair in the Bradfield Village Hall to raise funds for Pre School. 

Finally Caroline writes:

Thank you so much to everyone who came to my Licensing services at St Mary’s and All Saints on the 16th November, it was lovely to have so many there from all the congregations. I really appreciated your prayers and support for me, as well as the warm welcome you gave to Bishop Mary and Associate Archdeacon Paul who enjoyed being with us.  With God’s help I look forward to continuing to serve you all in this Benefice in the months and years to come.  

Steve